Carter questions GPA awards selection

Former Kilkenny star Charlie Carter has praised the 2006 All-Star hurling selection, claiming it is “more balanced” than the GPA equivalent.

And writing in his Sunday newspaper column, Carter asks the question: Did Corks stranglehold on the GPA adversely effect votes for the best players?

Whereas the GPAs Team of the Year was dominated by Cork players, All-Ireland champions Kilkenny fared best in the All-Star selection, receiving two more awards than the Rebels.

Said Carter: “Going on the All-Stars hurling selection, maybe its time to let journalists pick the teams and players play the games because the All-Stars hurling team is a better selection than the one voted on by the players.

“It is more balanced. Kilkenny won everything in front of them this year – Walsh Cup, National League and the All-Ireland title. Yet the GPA awards featured six Cork players and only four from Kilkenny.

“With Donal OGrady chairing the selection committee and Cork very active in the GPA, did that impact on the final 15? Obviously its the players voting, so I dont know if all the Kilkenny team cast their votes.

“The All-Star awards are a reverse of the GPAs, with six Kilkenny and four Cork men honoured.”